Evaluating the Construct Validity of a Pulsatile Fresh Frozen Human Cadaver Circulation Model for Endovascular Training.

BACKGROUND: We recently described a pulsatile fresh frozen human cadaver model (PHCM) for training endovascular practitioners. This present study aims to assess the construct validity of PHCM; its ability to differentiate between participants of varying expertise. METHODS: Twenty-three participants with varying endovascular experience (12 novice, 4 intermediate, and 7 expert) were recruited. Each attempted catheterization of the left renal artery on PHCM within 10 min under exam conditions. Performances were video recorded and scored using a validated scoring tool by 2 independent endovascular experts, blinded to performer status. Each participant was given a task-specific checklist score (TSC), global rating score (GRS), and overall procedure score (OPS). Finally, examiners were asked whether they would be happy to supervise the participant in theater, with each participant graded as "fail", "borderline," or "pass". RESULTS: All expert and intermediate participants completed the index procedure within the allotted 10 min; however, only one of the 12 novice participants achieved this (P < 0.0005). Endovascular novices had significantly lower TSC, GRS, and OPS than both intermediate participants and endovascular experts. There were no significant differences in TSC, GRS, or OPS between intermediate participants and endovascular experts. When participants were graded as "fail", "borderline," or "pass," there were significant differences between groups (P = 0.001). All of the intermediate and expert participants received a pass. Out of the 12 novice participants, 2 received a pass, 6 received a borderline, and 4 were failed. CONCLUSIONS: The PHCM demonstrates construct validity. Further work is required to determine its educational impact in endovascular training.

A Pulsatile Fresh Frozen Human Cadaver Circulation Model for Endovascular Training: A Trial of Face Validity.

BACKGROUND: The authors have published their design of a pulsatile fresh frozen human cadaver circulation model (PHCM) for endovascular training the face validity of the PHCM for training endovascular practitioners was subsequently assessed. METHODS: Twelve endovascular clinicians performed the same 2 procedures (catheterization of the left renal artery and left subclavian artery) on PHCM and Simbionix angiomentor virtual reality simulator (SVR). They were randomized to begin on either the PHCM or SVR. A pretrial questionnaire determined participants' endovascular experience. After training, participants rated statements relating to their experience on a numerical scale from 1 to 5, with 1 representing the strongest agreement with the statement. RESULTS: When participants were asked to compare the realism of training modalities with live patients, PHCM scored significantly higher than SVR on statements regarding "realism of vascular access" (P = 0.002), "guide-wire manipulation" (P = 0.001), and "vessel catheterization" (P = 0.004). Candidates again favored PHCM as "a valuable learning exercise" (P = 0.016) and strongly favored PHCM as a "useful training model" compared to SVR (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first published trial in world literature to assess the validity of a PHCM for training endovascular practitioners. The PHCM demonstrates good face validity when compared to both real patients and the SVR model and holds exciting potential.